In an era saturated with endless sequels and remakes, a time marked by wistful nostalgia for a carefree past, and a period of profound creative drought, the very notion of producing a sequel to “Hocus Pocus” seemed almost too predictable. As is often the case, expectations were low. Disney’s recent attempts to resurrect stories from bygone days have generally ended in resounding failure. One need only recall the musical “Mary Poppins Returns,” where the filmmakers’ relentless pursuit to recreate the beloved childhood classic backfired spectacularly. The resulting musical, awkwardly archaic, failed to resonate with audiences, and the promised return to a blissful childhood remained unfulfilled.
Sarah Jessica Parker as Sarah in “Hocus Pocus 2”
A Modern Twist on a Classic Tale
Anne Fletcher, the director of the “Hocus Pocus” sequel, known for her heartwarming romantic comedy “The Proposal” (2009) starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, chose not to simply exploit the legacy of Kenny Ortega’s original film. Instead, she steered the narrative into a contemporary feminist discourse, which, given the setting, feels surprisingly appropriate. After all, the Sanderson sisters were victims of the infamous “witch hunts,” a patriarchal campaign to eradicate women who didn’t conform to the 17th-century ideal.
Bette Midler as Winifred in “Hocus Pocus 2”
The Return of the Sanderson Sisters
Winifred, Mary, and Sarah Sanderson (Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker) are resurrected once again on Halloween night in 2022. This time, it’s thanks to two high school students, Becca (Whitney Peak) and Izzy (Belissa Escobedo), who unwisely light the black flame candle in the Forbidden Forest. This is the very place where the young Sanderson sisters first received their magical powers. As it turns out, they needed witchcraft to defend themselves against the attacks of a vile pastor and his followers, who (for reasons that aren’t entirely clear) decided to separate the golden trio.
Kathy Najimy as Mary in “Hocus Pocus 2”
Witches in the Modern World
As in the first film, the humor in “Hocus Pocus 2” largely stems from the medieval witches’ interactions with modern technology: smart speakers, iPhones, and even robotic vacuum cleaners. The Sanderson sisters also discover that achieving eternal youth now requires only a few Korean face masks and retinol cream, eliminating the need for grueling sacrifices involving small children. However, evil still lurks, and the new mayor of Salem bears a striking resemblance to the unfortunate pastor who once made the protagonists’ lives a living hell. Yet, he’s not quite a full-fledged antagonist, as “Hocus Pocus 2” confidently asserts that in today’s reality, rife with magical thinking, the power of a self-assured and charismatic witch (Bette Midler seems to defy aging) far outweighs that of any patriarchal political leader. The only question is whether we’re willing to believe it.
More Than Just a Fantasy
Ultimately, the film about the Sanderson sisters’ return to a world where horoscopes are no longer considered myths and every self-respecting celebrity has at least two personal tarot readers doesn’t seem so fantastical anymore. Amidst numerous references and Easter eggs to the original film, Fletcher manages to insert a few sensible social commentaries: that true magic lies not in a spellbook but in the power of love, friendship, and sisterhood; that absolute power never brings happiness; and that old grudges must be let go.